Welcome back to The Creative Calm Podcast! In this exciting episode, I’m introducing a new series called "Adventure Reports," where I, along with future guests, will share personal adventures and how they connect to play and creative wellness.

I kick off this series by sharing details from a recent 10-day family adventure to Southern California. From our carefully planned itinerary to those spontaneous moments of joy, I'll take you through our trip—from Hollywood's iconic sites and beach-hopping down the coast to the stunning landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park and the magical experience of Disneyland.

This episode is filled with practical tips on affordable travel, managing the logistics of a road trip, and finding suitable accommodations—providing useful insights whether you're planning your own big trip or just local escapades. My hope is that this episode will inspire you to embrace adventure and play in your life.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to Adventure Reports (00:00:54)
   • Introducing the new series inspired by Episode 5: Adventure Equals Play
2. Planning the Epic California Adventure (00:03:03)
   • Dynamics of traveling with my family of six
   • Choosing Airbnbs and affordable flights
   • Balancing costs with conscious spending choices
3. Detailed Itinerary Highlights (00:10:02)
   • LA: Hollywood sign hike, Santa Monica Pier, and touristy spots
   • San Diego: Beautiful weather and an unforgettable Airbnb
   • Pontoon boat adventure and beach picnics
   • Palm Springs area: Exploring Joshua Tree National Park
4. Resources and Recommendations (00:12:34)
   • Sharing valuable resources like Airbnbs, hikes, and activities
   • Mention of saving money using platforms like Groupon
5. Disneyland Experience (00:21:59)
   • Our stay at the Grand Californian Resort
   • Comparing Disneyland to Disney World
   • Joy in shared family experiences and play
6. Reflections and Takeaways (00:23:40)
   • Finding joy in everyday moments
   • Infusing play and rest into regular life
   • Encouragement to try both big and small adventures

Resources Mentioned:

• Airbnbs in Santa Monica, San Diego, and Palm Springs [Links to Airbnbs]
• Hollywood hikes
• Seaforth Boat Rentals, San Diego
• Joshua Tree National Park
• Bobo Design Studio (Store location in Palm Springs)
• Disneyland Resort
• The Grand Californian

Connect with Me:

• Instagram:
• www.instagram.com/denisechristensonrae 

Support the Podca

Hello, dear listeners! It's Denise Christenson Rae here, back after an invigorating month-long break with Episode 47 of The Creative Calm Podcast. In this episode, I dive deep into the transformative power of taking intentional breaks. As a busy mom of four, a dedicated teacher, and your creative wellness coach, I've experienced firsthand the overwhelming nature of juggling multiple roles. This month off has given me invaluable insights that I can't wait to share with you.

Join me as I discuss:

- The significance of clearing your schedule to make room for clarity and calm.

- Practical tips on organizing your physical space to promote creativity and reduce stress.

- Mental decluttering techniques that have helped me stay centered and focused.

I believe that by creating space in our lives, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and innovation. Let's explore how you can incorporate these practices into your daily routine to enhance your overall well-being and creativity.

---

**Resources Mentioned:**

- Episode 16 Morning Pages: A Practice For Cultivating Creativity and Finding Clarity

---

**Connect with Me:**

- Follow me on Instagram: [@DeniseChristensenRae]

- Share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes. I always love hearing from you! My email is [email protected]

---

**Support the Podcast:**

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a 5-star review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. Your support means the world to me and helps spread the creative calm to others.

---

**Join Us Next Time:**

Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes and special guest interviews throughout the rest of August. I am back, refreshed, and so excited to share amazing content with you.

---

Remember to prioritize rest, unleash your creativity, and embrace playfulness in your daily life. Until next time, have a beautiful, magical day!

In this special anniversary episode of the Creative Calm Podcast, we celebrate the first exhilarating year of our journey together. I'm so thrilled to share the incredible discoveries I've made throughout this year of podcasting that have both challenged and inspired me.

First, I'll reflect on the realization that I can achieve what once felt impossible—hosting and producing a podcast! From the technical hurdles to sharing my voice, breaking out of my comfort zone has been a rewarding adventure.

Next, we'll dive into the beauty of trusting my inner guidance. Each week, fresh ideas have flowed seamlessly, demonstrating the power of intuition and self-belief. You'll also hear about the significance of recognizing our worth and the value of our unique stories.

Then, I'll share insights on redefining consistency and success on my own terms. It's all about flexible consistency—a concept that honors both our ambitions and the ebbs and flows of life. Similarly, success can be uniquely defined, centering on the impact we make one listener at a time rather than conventional metrics.

Finally, I'm excited to reveal a delightful surprise: discovering my knack for podcasting! This entire experience has been a deep dive into hidden talents and embracing new strengths.

As we reflect together, I encourage you to consider the personal growth you've experienced over the past year. What have you learned about yourself through the endeavors you've pursued?

Join me in celebrating the first birthday of the Creative Calm Podcast, and let's continue to embrace the transformative power of rest, creativity, and play. Thank you for being a part of this journey—your support means the world to me!

xoxo, Denise Christenson Rae

LET’S WORK TOGETHER:

Free Offerings

• Get a FREE meditation here
• FREE Self-Care Planner
• Craft Your Vision: A FREE Vision Board Course

 CONNECT WITH ME:

• Join me on Instagram- I can’t wait to get to know you and show you some love!
• Anything you’d like to know is at my website www.christensonrae.com

 FEEL LIKE BINGING? YOU WILL LOVE THESE EPISODES:

• Ep. 1. The Three Pillars of Creative Calm
• Ep. 18. From Chaos to Ease: Making Small Daily Decisions that Benefit Your Future Self

In this episode, let's dive into the common struggle of analysis paralysis and how it can hinder our ability to bring our dreams to life. I share personal stories about my own battles with overthinking, from dreaming up this very podcast to planning my ideal front porch space. I'll give you practical tips on how to move from endless contemplation to taking action, such as setting deadlines and finding accountability partners. Through my journey, you'll see how spending just one hour doing something can be more valuable than ten hours of thinking about it.

Join me as we explore how to recognize when you're stuck in analysis paralysis and how you can gently nudge yourself into action. Whether it's starting a new project, completing an old one, or simply making a decision, these insights aim to help you break free from the trap of overanalysis and start creating the life and business you desire. Let’s embrace the balance between dreaming and doing, and find the joy in making our ideas a reality. Together, we'll prioritize rest, unleash our creativity, and invite more playfulness into our lives.

Let's get moving and discover the magic of action, creativity, and joy together.

xoxo, Denise Christenson Rae

LET’S WORK TOGETHER:

Free Offerings

• Get a FREE meditation here
• FREE Self-Care Planner
• Craft Your Vision: A FREE Vision Board Course

 CONNECT WITH ME:

• Join me on Instagram- I can’t wait to get to know you and show you some love!
• Anything you’d like to know is at my website www.christensonrae.com

 FEEL LIKE BINGING? YOU WILL LOVE THESE EPISODES:

• Ep. 1. The Three Pillars of Creative Calm
• Ep. 18. From Chaos to Ease: Making Small Daily Decisions that Benefit Your Future Self

In this episode, let's explore the importance of taking breaks, particularly focusing on the elusive lunch break, and how they can rejuvenate our creativity and overall well-being. I share my personal experiences about juggling life as a mom of four, a teacher, and a business owner while ensuring that I take time for myself. We dive into the common issue many caregivers face—neglecting our own needs while taking care of others.

I'll talk about how I used to skip my lunch breaks or work through them, thinking there wasn't enough time to rest and how I've since learned the value of taking that essential pause. Whether you work in a high-pressure environment like a school or have responsibilities at home, it’s crucial to carve out moments just for you.

I'll share practical tips on how to make the most of your breaks, from taking a walk, enjoying a creative activity, to simply relaxing in a quiet space. This episode encourages you to reflect on how you're spending your breaks and offers inspiration to make these moments more restful and impactful.

Join me as we delve into the importance of rest, the joy of creativity, and the power of play to help us move past overwhelm and thrive in our daily lives.

xoxo, Denise Christenson Rae

LET’S WORK TOGETHER:

Free Offerings

• Get a FREE meditation here
• Craft Your Vision: A FREE Vision Board Course

 CONNECT WITH ME:

• Join me on Instagram- I can’t wait to get to know you and show you some love!
• Anything you’d like to know is at my website www.christensonrae.com

 FEEL LIKE BINGING? YOU WILL LOVE THESE EPISODES:

• Ep. 1. The Three Pillars of Creative Calm
• Ep. 18. From Chaos to Ease: Making Small Daily Decisions that Benefit Your Future Self

In this this episode let's dive into the beauty of unfinished projects and what they can teach us about creativity and self-compassion. I share personal stories about my various incomplete endeavors, like a cherished Halloween album and a memory planner waiting to be revisited. I'll encourage you to embrace your playful spirit, find joy in your creativity, and understand that it's perfectly okay not to finish everything you start. Whether it's an art project, a poem, or a home decor idea, these ventures serve a purpose, offering lessons and moments of joy along the way. Join me as we explore how unfinished projects can inspire us, help us let go of guilt, and find excitement in both old and new creative pursuits. Let's dive in and discover the magic of rest, creativity, and play together.

xoxo, Denise Christenson Rae

LET’S WORK TOGETHER:

Free Offerings

• Get a FREE meditation here
• FREE Self-Care Planner
• Craft Your Vision: A FREE Vision Board Course

 CONNECT WITH ME:

• Join me on Instagram- I can’t wait to get to know you and show you some love!
• Anything you’d like to know is at my website www.christensonrae.com

 FEEL LIKE BINGING? YOU WILL LOVE THESE EPISODES:

• Ep. 1. The Three Pillars of Creative Calm
• Ep. 18. From Chaos to Ease: Making Small Daily Decisions that Benefit Your Future Self

Show notes coming soon

Welcome to the Creative Calm Podcast! In this episode, I delve into the fascinating concept of gamifying daily tasks and goals to infuse them with fun and motivation. Join me as I share my personal journey of incorporating gamification into my routine and how it has transformed my approach to productivity and self-care. From tracking steps and screen time to achieving goals and forming habits, I explore how gamification has enhanced my life and encouraged me to stay consistent and accountable.

Key Points:

1. Discover the power of gamification in adding an exciting twist to everyday tasks.

2. Explore real-life examples of gamification in apps, classroom settings, and personal habits.

3. Learn about my unique approach to gamifying goals using a calendar with assigned money values.

4. Reflect on the difference between internal and external motivation and the impact of gamification on self-accountability.

5. Be inspired to embrace playfulness and creativity in your daily life by exploring gamification as a tool for achieving your goals with joy and excitement.

Join me on this episode as we uncover the joy of transforming tasks into playful challenges and discover a new way to approach productivity and self-improvement. Dive into the world of gamification with me and unleash your inner creativity and motivation like never before!

xoxo, Denise Christenson Rae

LET’S WORK TOGETHER:

Free Offerings

• Get a FREE meditation here
• FREE Self-Care Planner
• Craft Your Vision: A FREE Vision Board Course

 CONNECT WITH ME:

• Join me on Instagram- I can’t wait to get to know you and show you some love!
• Anything you’d like to know is at my website www.christensonrae.com

 FEEL LIKE BINGING? YOU WILL LOVE THESE EPISODES:

• Ep. 1. The Three Pillars of Creative Calm
• Ep. 18. From Chaos to Ease: Making Small Daily Decisions that Benefit Your Future Self

Welcome to another episode of the Creative Calm Podcast, where we dive deep into the importance of balancing productivity with essential breaks. I'm your host, Denise Christensen Rae, a creative wellness coach here to guide you on the path to a more joyful and sustainable life. In today's episode, we are going to explore why taking a break is not just a luxury, but a vital part of maintaining our health and enhancing our productivity. We'll look at some surprising statistics about how many of us are not taking the full vacation time available to us and discuss the cultural hustle mindset that often keeps us from slowing down. I'll also share a personal anecdote from my recent spring break—how I planned to work but ended up giving myself the full break I truly needed. Join us as we learn to write ourselves a "permission slip" for rest, and see just how transformative it can be to step back and replenish. Whether it's taking a hiatus from work or simply pausing your day-to-day duties, this episode is here to reassure you that the world won't fall apart if you take a moment for yourself.

xoxo, Denise

LET’S WORK TOGETHER:

Free Offerings

• Get a FREE meditation here
• FREE Self-Care Planner
• Craft Your Vision: A FREE Vision Board Course

 CONNECT WITH ME:

• Join me on Instagram- I can’t wait to get to know you and show you some love!
• Anything you’d like to know is at my website www.christensonrae.com

 FEEL LIKE BINGING? YOU WILL LOVE THESE EPISODES:

• Ep. 1. The Three Pillars of Creative Calm
• Ep. 18. From Chaos to Ease: Making Small Daily Decisions that Benefit Your Future Self

Hello, Creative Spirits! Denise Christenson Rae here, your guide to a life sprinkled with rest, creativity, and play. In today’s episode, “You are Worth Taking The Leap,” I'm thrilled to share with you my personal tale of embarking on a journey towards one of my own big, scary, audacious goals.

**In Today’s Episode, You’ll Hear About:**

- My initial venture into the world of marathons with my first half marathon.

- The vibrant dream of completing a full marathon through the enchanting realms of Disney World.

- How a curveball on marathon sign-up day turned into an opportunity to support Autism Speaks, an organization dear to my heart.

- My coping mechanisms for dealing with the anxiety and mental hurdles that come with such grand aspirations.

- Lastly, how I set timelines for myself to stay committed and accountable to my goals.

**Moments You Won't Want to Miss:**

- [00:00:54] Listen to the backstory of my first half marathon success.

- [00:02:27] How I kept my spirits high and my running shoes on during a virtual 'fairy tale challenge'.

- [00:03:39] The magnetic lure that the full Disney World marathon holds for me.

- [00:05:20] The rollercoaster experience of marathon registration and the silver lining that emerged.

- [00:06:21] My heartfelt decision to raise funds and awareness for Autism Speaks through my run.

- [00:09:07] Hear how I'm taking on the dual challenge of marathon training and fundraising.

- [00:10:30] A heart-to-heart with you, my listeners, to reflect on your own audacious goals.

**Today’s Key Takeaway:**

This episode is my open invitation for all of you to embrace the leaps that life offers. The blend of excitement and trepidation you feel towards tackling a significant goal is perfectly natural and it's a sign that you're on the cusp of something transformative. Step out of your comfort zone and watch as beautiful transformations unfold.

xoxo,

Denise

LET’S WORK TOGETHER:

Free Offerings

• Get a FREE meditation here
• Craft Your Vision: A FREE Vision Board Course

 CONNECT WITH ME:

• Join me on Instagram- I can’t wait to get to know you and show you some love!
• Anything you’d like to know is at my website www.christensonrae.com

 FEEL LIKE BINGING? YOU WILL LOVE THESE EPISODES:

• Ep. 1. The Three Pillars of Creative Calm
• Ep. 18. From Chaos to Ease: Making Small Daily Decisions that Benefit Your Future Self

In today's episode of The Creative Calm Podcast I'm excited to share with you my journey of intentionally making space for creativity in my daily life. I've been pondering the idea of adopting a 15-minute daily creative practice, and I'm eager to explore the potential impact it can have. I'm also encouraging you to reflect on what might be missing in your own life and consider introducing a 15-minute practice, whether it's in creativity, movement, meal preparation, or anything that's calling on your heart. Together, let's uncover the magic of consistent creativity and embrace the joy it can bring to our lives. So, join me as we prioritize rest, unleash our creativity, and embrace a world of possibilities.

xoxo 💗

Denise Christenson Rae

LET’S WORK TOGETHER:

Free Offerings

• Get a FREE meditation here
• Craft Your Vision: A FREE Vision Board Course

 CONNECT WITH ME:

• Join me on Instagram- I can’t wait to get to know you and show you some love!
• Anything you’d like to know is at my website www.christensonrae.com

 FEEL LIKE BINGING? YOU WILL LOVE THESE EPISODES:

• Ep. 1. The Three Pillars of Creative Calm
• Ep. 18. From Chaos to Ease: Making Small Daily Decisions that Benefit Your Future Self